Zimbabwe in July

Old Jan 3rd, 2012, 04:11 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Zimbabwe in July

Hi gang -
We are heading to Zimbabwe for two weeks in July. It will be our first Zim trip, and I was hoping to tap into your collective knowledge!

We'll be in Vic Falls, Hwange, and Matopos Hills.

1. I've heard horror stories of the cold - that nights can be below freezing, and that it is only warm for a few hours in the day. How bad is it, really? How does it work, if you're staying in tents or huts with only screens - do you bring industrial grade long underwear? (Its about 30 degrees right now where I live, and I cannot imagine camping or wanting to spend more than half an hour outside) Are you just constantly cold?

2. What is the safari experience in Hwange like in July? We've been told we're unlikely to see another vehicle while we're there, and that the game viewing will be abundant. Is this true? (I'd much rather match my expectations with reality, than go with false ideas and be disappointed).

3. Can anyone talk about the differences between Big Cave Camp and Amalinda in Matopos?

Thank you so much for any info you can share.
AdventureKath is offline  
Old Jan 3rd, 2012, 12:08 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I've been in August and it should be about the same as July. The nights will be cold, but most camps provide nice, warm blankets on their game drive vehicles for the night drives or for the early mornings. The days are usually warm, so bring layers and add or subtract as needed. There are plenty of blankets on the beds, as well. I get cold easily, but didn't find it to be too cold for me.

At Hwange, the game viewing may depend on whether it's windy, or not. If it is, that can cut down on the game you see. Because it will be the dry season, the game should be heading for the waterholes. Where are you staying? I was at Somalisa in September 2010... great place!

I can't speak to the differences between Big Cave and Amalinda but I stayed at the latter in 2010. Amalinda is a beautiful and unique camp. I even had some rock art in my room. We hiked to a fabulous cave with dozens of rock art paintings one morning. In Matabo Hills NP, we saw a couple of rhinos, black and white.
ShayTay is offline  
Old Jan 3rd, 2012, 02:05 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
1. "I get cold easily, but didn't find it to be too cold for me." Ditto for me and I bet I get even colder than ShayTay.
Layers always work. It is not true that it is warm only a few hours a day. You'll be very hot midday in July.

2. At the pans at sunset you might see a couple of vehicles gathering, but I cannot imagine a crowd anywhere. July is good time with abundant game, that is correct.

3."Amalinda is a beautiful and unique camp. I even had some rock art in my room. We hiked to a fabulous cave with dozens of rock art paintings one morning. In Matabo Hills NP, we saw a couple of rhinos, black and white."
Ditto for me. I spent 4 nights and did black and white rhino extensive tracking on foot and found them. Very exciting and rewarding.

You've got yourself a nice trip! If there is any more time, include Mana Pool.
atravelynn is offline  
Old Jan 6th, 2012, 07:09 AM
  #4  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you both! You've put my mind at east. We are staying at Somalisa - would love to hear more about your stay there.
AdventureKath is offline  
Old Jan 6th, 2012, 10:40 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Dudley (actually Dardley) is the camp manager and a great guide, as well. The Ngweshla Pan area produced some great sightings, including rhino and roan antelope. Eles are everywhere. Each afternoon, several groups would arrive at the camp's swimming pool for a drink. I sat on a lounge chair across the pool from them, only 10 feet away. One night, I heard a brushing sound while in my tent. It turns out the an ele was running its trunk along the top of the tent, looking for acacia seed pods. Then, it moved to the bath area and drank out of my shower bucket. Very cool!
ShayTay is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
atravelynn
Africa & the Middle East
7
May 18th, 2012 05:50 AM
cary999
Africa & the Middle East
47
Nov 8th, 2009 02:20 PM
brandywine
Africa & the Middle East
47
Oct 31st, 2007 02:03 PM
mousefan
Africa & the Middle East
4
Mar 30th, 2007 07:55 AM
napamatt
Africa & the Middle East
4
Feb 11th, 2005 10:02 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -